In a surprise move, Keith Ransom has stepped down as East Gambier co-coach as he is taking a break from football.
Ransom and on-field leader Jake Dowdy took joint charge of the Bulldogs at the beginning of last season and the pair continued into 2024.
However, Ransom believes the time is right to end his active involvement with senior football after almost 50 continuous years.
The 65-year-old is also in the twilight of his working life.
“I informed the East Gambier club officials of my decision on Monday night and we parted on good terms,” Ransom said.
“My life is taking a different direction. I wish Jake and his team all the very best.
“I am grateful for the opportunity which East Gambier gave me to coach my home club.
“The number of injuries we had exposed our lack of playing depth and the club’s recruiting must be aware of this.
“I believe the future of East Gambier lies with its juniors. The first year Under 17s have great potential while current teens Jarvi Mee, Kye McCracken, Noah Gollan, Trey Wilke and Sam Couldrey are doing well in the senior team.
“When I look back at my time in football, I will not be recalling the achievements. It will be the wonderful people that I have met through football and the friendships I have made.”
As a senior coach, Ransom has previously mentored Tarpeena, Kalangadoo, West Gambier, Glencoe and Heywood as well as being assistant coach of Casterton Sandford.
He coached the East Gambier Under 16s to the 1986 and 1987 premierships while recovering from injury.
Ransom was captain of the Bulldogs from 1983-85 with a grand final win over Millicent coming in his first year at the helm.
At interleague level, Ransom made 14 appearances for the Western Border and three for the Mid South East.
He was a long-serving commentator on the Radio 5SE/Triple M football shows and also dabbled in umpiring.
Among his other career highlights were coaching West Gambier to the 2010 and 2011 premierships and the 1982 East Gambier grand final win as a player.
The new Limestone Coast Football League has already “lost” one coach with umpires’ director Chris Brooks leaving this post in April and opting to umpire in other leagues.
